A Brazilian Supreme Court panel has agreed to keep Elon Musk’s social media platform X blocked in Brazil. This decision was made because X didn’t follow a court order to name a local representative. The platform will stay blocked until it obeys the court and pays fines of over $3 million.
X has disagreed with Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who made the decision, over its refusal to block certain users. X claims de Moraes wants a local representative so Brazilian authorities can control the company.
De Moraes also fined people and companies $8,900 for using VPNs to access X. Some legal experts question this decision and how it will be enforced.
The block has led to a dispute between de Moraes and Musk’s satellite internet provider Starlink, which refuses to enforce the decision. Musk has criticized de Moraes, saying he has violated Brazil’s constitution.
Despite Musk’s claims, legal experts say de Moraes’ actions are legal and have been supported by other justices. De Moraes’ decision to refer the case to a panel of justices was seen as a way to get broader support and make the decision less about one person.
The block has already led to Starlink’s Brazilian assets being frozen, which the company has appealed. Starlink says it won’t block X access until its assets are unfrozen, which could lead to a shutdown.
Enforcing a shutdown will be difficult since Starlink’s satellites are outside Brazil. Anatel, the telecommunications regulator, says the company could lose its license and be committing a crime if it continues to operate without complying with orders.
Legal experts say the situation is likely to escalate politically since Starlink is refusing to follow Brazilian laws.
